Mathematics – Logic
Scientific paper
Jul 1993
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1993metic..28..458w&link_type=abstract
Meteoritics, vol. 28, no. 3, volume 28, page 458
Mathematics
Logic
Carbon, Chondrites, Kakangari, Lea Co. 002, Oxygen Isotopes, Petrology, Stable Isotopes
Scientific paper
The discovery of new chondrite groups is an important step in widening our understanding of the primitive asteroidal materials on which models of early solar system processes are based. LEW87232 was tentatively classified as a CR chondrite [1] and our interest in the CR group and its diversity [2] led us to study this meteorite. This petrologic and stable isotope study shows that LEW87232 is, in fact, a new member of the rare Kakangari-type chondrite grouplet. Kakangari was recognized as the first member of a new chondrite group with petrologic, bulk chemical, and oxygen isotopic characteristics that sharply distinguish it from other chondrites [3-7]. Lea Co. 002 was found to be a second member [8]. Texturally, LEW87232 consists of chondrules, fragments, and metal spheres (chondrules) set in a fine-grained matrix. The chondrule mean diameter is 0.4 nm (some up to 1.6 mm). Most chondrules are porphyritic pyroxene, and olivine is poikilitically enclosed in the pyroxene. Rarely, chondrules are olivine rich. Metal chondrules consist of kamacite with exsolved taenite and are rimmed by, and enclose, lath-shaped pyroxene that is similar in size and morphology to the matrix pyroxene; accessory apatite and schreibersite are associated with the metal. The matrix consists mainly of low-Ca-pyroxene laths 1-3 micrometers wide, up to 15 micrometers long, and it is intermixed with an Fe oxide, possibly ferrihydrite. Ferrihydrite was identified in Kakangari [9]. Mineral compositions in chondrules, fragments, and matrix are fairly homogeneous, and similar, with pyroxene Wo0.2-0.5Fs2.6-3.6, olivine Fa0.5-2.9, Ca-pyroxene Wo45Fs0.8, and plagioclase An~60. Kamacite (Ni ~ 5.6%) and taenite (Ni ~ 27%) are homogeneous. Kakangari has similar mineral compositions [7]. Bulk compositions of the chondrules and matrix are strikingly similar, reflecting similarities in their modes and mineral compositions. Stable Isotopes: LEW87232 nitrogen, total delta-15N = +10.6 permil, [N] = 80.6 ppm, is closest to that of ordinary chondrites and differs from that of Kakangari, which has lighter N (total delta-15N = -20 permil). Total [C] = 1989 ppm and is also closest to ordinary chondrites. Kakangari total [C] = 864 [10]. Combustion temperatures indicate the presence of some organic component with delta-15N ~ +4 to +8 permil released at low T. N released above 1000 degrees C may be a combination of spallogenic N, with N possibly from SiC. The oxygen isotope compositions of Kakangari-type chondrites are shown in the figure. Whole rock LEW87232 plots close to the other Kakangari-type chondrites. Chondrule compositions are similar to those in Kakangari, but are displaced toward lower delta-18O values perhaps, in part, due to weathering. Chondrules from Kakangari-type chondrites generally have oxygen compositions similar to enstatite chondrite chondrules (shown by the loop) and some extend toward more 16O-rich compositions. Conclusions: LEW87232 is shown to be a Kakangari-type meteorite and it further defines this distinct chondrite grouplet. Characteristics that distinguish the Kakangari-type grouplet from other chondrite groups include (1) the oxygen isotope composition of the chondrules and matrix, (2) the high metal and pyroxene abundances and low FeO content of the silicates that indicate an oxidation state between H and E chondrites, (3) the Mg- and pyroxene-rich nature and similarity of the chondrules and matrix, (4) the unique intergrowths of matrix pyroxene within and rimming metal chondrules, suggesting that abundant Mg-rich pyroxene crystals formed in the nebula and were present during chondrule formation. References: [1] Mason B. (1992) Ant. Met. News., 15, 24. [2] Weisberg M. K. et al. (1993) GCA, 57, 1567-1586. [3] Graham A. L. and Hutchison R. (1974) Nature, 251, 128-129. [4] Clayton R. N. et al. (1976) LPSC, VII, 160-162. [5] Clayton R. N. et al. (1976) EPSL, 30, 10-18. [6] Davis A. M. et al. (1977) Nature, 265, 230-232. [7] Prinz M. et al. (1989) LPSC, XX, 870-871. [8] Prinz M. et al. (1991) LPSC, XXII, 1097-1098. [9] Brearley A. J. (1989) GCA, 53, 2395-2411. [10] Grady M. M. and Pillinger C. T. (1986) GCA, 50, 255-263. [11] Clayton R. N. and Mayeda T. K. (1985) LPSC, XVI, 142-143.
Clayton Robert N.
Franchi Ian A.
Grady Michael
Mayeda Toshiko K.
Prinz Martin
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